Magical Toilet Seat

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a “magical” toilet seat that draws air from inside a toilet bowl into an air box for filtration and disinfection. The toilet seat operably possesses orifices on its underside that are in fluid communication with the air box when the seat is in a down position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/456,708 (filed Oct. 10, 2009).

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This specification relates to apparatus for removing fumes and gasesfrom toilet bowls and for eliminating bacteria from said fumes or gases.This specification further relates to filtration, cleansing, and odorelimination from gases within a toilet bowl. More particularly, thisspecification describes apparatus and related methods for theventilation and germ control of commode seats and seat assembling. Thatis to say, the described apparatus and related methods were invented anddesigned to eliminate and minimize offensive odors and bacteria.

2. Background Art

The general and practical uses of commodes invariably and undesirablyexpose users of such to noxious gases, unpleasant odors, and dangerousgerms. While mostly unavoidable, the extent to which said users areexposed to said gases, odors, and germs can be minimized by theapparatus and related methods described in this document.

Many of the prior technologies which pertain to commode ventilationsystems, collect and channel noxious odors and gases via channels thatare situated inside of a toilet bowl. Such systems have worked withvarying degrees of success and cost efficiency, but all of such systemsare not retrofitable to existing commodes and, as a result, haverequired the significant costs of commode replacement (including partsand labor). By contrast, the apparatus and related methods disclosed bythis specification may be retrofitted to existing commodes by merelyreplacing the seat of said commode, which may be done at minimal costs.

Comparing the present invention with related systems, the apparatus andrelated methods disclosed by this specification are an improvement overprior art commode ventilation systems. For example: referring to thefigures of McKinley (U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,677), a ventilation system isshown consisting of: thirteen vents 42 located on the underside of the ahollow toilet seat 44; and an electric single speed motor 28 which isused to draw noxious fumes and gases through the vents for ultimaterelease into the atmosphere away from the commode. So configured,McKinley's ventilation system affords commode users with some measure ofrelief from noxious gases and unpleasant odors emitting from the toiletbowl. However, the electric single speed motor 28 within McKinley'ssystem for exhausting the noxious and odorous gasses is: limited to onlya single speed so that motor may not be suitable for all users; anexpensive waste of electricity; and, is noisy so that when coupled to alight switch, the associated light cannot be used quietly. Furthermore,McKinley's ventilation system features only thirteen air vents 42, whichdo not provide coverage for a substantial portion of the entirecircumference of the toilet seat 18. This design flaw allows noxiousgas, bacteria, and offensive odor to escape the toilet bowl. Otherdesign flaws of McKinley's system pose health risks to commode users,like, for instance, no barrier or splash protector is provided inMcKinley's system so that water, urine, or other elements associatedwith commode use may reach the interior of the exhaust system18,20,26,28. Said configuration is further unsatisfactorily amenable tobacteria or germs in view of McKinley's failure to disclose any methodof cleaning the hollow areas of the system's toilet seat. Finally,McKinley's ventilation system lacks any kind of chemical filter thatcould cleanse the offensive odor and harmful bacteria from gasses in thetoilet bowl before the exhaust is released into the atmosphere wherebythe germs, bacteria, noxious gases, and offensive odors are justtransferred from one place to another, instead of being eliminated.

Entrekin (U.S. Pat. No. 2008/0086800), with reference to its drawings,describes a commode ventilation system where vents 2 on the underside ofthe a toilet seat vacuum noxious gases and foul odors associated withcommode use, and deposit the same said into the commode's plumbingsystem. Entrekin's ventilation system is controlled by sensors and atime-delayed, pressure sensitive switch 7 that activates when the usersits on the toilet seat 1. Although capable of providing to commodeusers some measure of relief from noxious and odorous gasses, Entrekin'sventilation system does not provide chemical filters that scrub theexhaust clean of harmful bacteria. Furthermore, Entrekin's ventilationsystem features vents 2 that exhausts directly into the householdplumbing, whereby any type of overflow or back up from the plumbingsystem into the ventilation system could prove to be a health hazard tocommode users and/or the property. Entrekin's system cannot be properlycleaned. Furthermore, the system lacks a water filled “P” trap inbetween the vents in the toilet seat and the household plumbing 5, whichomission could defeat the system's purpose by causing removed noxiousgases, foul odors, and harmful bacteria to be released right back intothe commode's environment whenever the vacuum is not running. Also, thetime-delayed electrical switch 7 may be in close proximity to the waterin the commode which could pose an electrical hazard. Finally,Entrekin's ventilation system could be expensive to install, as theparts and labor associated with connecting the exhaust to the householdplumbing may be significant.

Prisco (U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,184), also discloses a commode exhaustsystem. However, the document does not explain the manner in which thenoxious gases and foul odors will be dealt.

No past commode ventilation system meets the proprietary specificationsdescribed and illustrated herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This application discloses apparatus and related methods for ventilatingand cleansing gasses from a toilet bowl. The principle object of thisspecification is to describe apparatus and related methods foreliminating unpleasant odors, noxious gases, and harmful bacteria fromthe commode area.

Another object of this disclosure is to provide apparatus and relatedmethods for removing odors, noxious gases, and bacteria from toiletbowls in a cost and energy efficient manner.

In one embodiment, the disclosed apparatus features a hollow toilet seataccompanied with vents on the underside specifically for the purpose ofreceiving gases from inside a commode wherein said gasses are deliveredto an air box via a vacuum, wherein said air box removes odor and killsbacteria in said gasses, before releasing the gasses into theatmosphere. Suitably, the air box may be equipped with chemical filtersthat scrub the air clean of unpleasant odor, germs, and harmfulbacteria. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a three speedmotor with an ON/OFF switch so that a commode user may have flexibilityin suction speeds so that the user can vary the amounts of gas removedfrom the toilet bowl by the system. Suitably, the wires and switches ofthe vacuum may be separated from the commode's plumbing system. Theapparatus may feature a toilet seat with one quarter to one eighth of aninch air vents around the entire circumference on its underside so thatgases from a toilet bowl may suitably flow through said vents. Theapparatus may further feature a splash protection rim on the lip of thetoilet seat to help prevent urine or fecal matter from splashing intothe ventilating system. In a preferred embodiment, the air box featuresa lid so that it may be easily cleaned. Usefully, the air box and seatmay be retrofitted to most commodes in a manner that meets fire,electrical and plumbing codes. Preferably, the toilet seat of theapparatus is aesthetically pleasing, durable, temperature sensitive andcomfortable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention will be best understood by the references of thedrawings.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a toilet seat and a filtered air box, andfitting elbow plus pipe adapter which will be used to connect the systemto the vacuum pump.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the toilet seat, which shows the ventilatingopenings around the circumference of the seat for drawing noxious air.

FIG. 3 is a top and back view which show the rear air vent of the toiletseat, the seat's bolts, nuts, washers, brackets, or hinges forconnecting the toilet seat and lid to the filtered air box.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the filtered air box safely secured withits cover plate.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the filtered air box without the topcover plate removed for easy cleaning and disinfecting of the air box.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the toilet seat which shows the upper andbottom part of the toilet seat and illustrates how the two partsconnect.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the toilet seat which shows therear vent and the assembling of the upper and lower parts of the toiletseat.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section of the toilet seat.

FIG. 9 is a side view a toilet with a ventilating toilet seat and airbox installed on its planar surface between the water tank and thetoilet bowl. The Figure shows a fitting 14 that will be connectedthrough a pipe system to the outside atmosphere.

FIG. 10 is a cross section of the air box.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a hollow commode seat designed to remove noxiousgases, foul odors, and bacteria associated with general commode use.Such removal is accomplished via an air box equipped with chemicalfilters, wherein said air box draws, via a vacuum, the foul, odorous, orbacteria ridden air through vents located on the underside of the toiletseat into contact with air filters and disinfectants before releasingsaid air into the atmosphere.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a toilet seat 8 and an air box 11. As shown inthe drawing the air box 11 features an elbow and pipe 14 extending fromone of its sides. The seat 8 and air box 11 may be made of durableplastic material. As discussed further below, the pipe 14 may beconnected to a flexible hose and a vacuum.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the toilet seat 8 and the air box 11 shown inFIG. 1. As shown, the toilet seat features orifices 18 (or vents 18)leading to a hollow portion (or channel) within the seat (shown inbroken lines), wherein said hollow portion may suitably be in fluidcommunication with the air box 11. Operably, noxious gases may be drawn,via a vacuum connected to the pipe 14, through the vents 18 and into theair box 11 before being released into the atmosphere. As shown, thetoilet seat 8 may be attached by a hinge 9, to the filtered air box 11.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the vacuum pipe 14 may be positioned on thetop of the air box 11 so that the air box 11 may be made of multiplesmall compartments for the installation of filters 1. In one embodiment,the air box 11 features a reservoir of disinfectant 6 or deodorantsolution and a spray nozzle 5 for applying the disinfectant to thefilters. In another embodiment, the vacuum suction through the air box11 creates the moisture to soak and wet said filters. The disinfectantmay suitably be used to kill bacteria in any gasses passed therethroughthe air box 11. Still referring to FIG. 10, the spray nozzle 5 mayfeature a spray pump that works by hand in the manner of known spraybottles. Operably, two pumps of the nozzle may spray the disinfectant ordeodorant liquid on to said filters before or during the filtration ofnoxious, odorous, or bacteria ridden air. Suitably, the deodorant ordisinfectant liquid may be of any type of deodorant or disinfectantliquids known to those of skill in the art. In another embodiment, thespray pump may be mechanically operated (e.g., by an ON/OFF batterypowered switch) so that disinfectant or deodorant liquid is provided toto the periodically (e.g., every second, every minute, twice a minute,every other minute and so on) depending the necessities of this system.Thus, the user has three different for applying disinfectant to thefilters: (1) vacuum suction; (2) a manual spray pump; or (3) amechanically operated spray pump. Said spray pumps may be fixedlyconnected to the air box.

FIG. 3 is a top and rear view of the seat 8 of the present system. FIG.7 is a rear perspective of the seat 8. FIGS. 4, 5, and 10 areperspective views of an air box. FIG. 8 is a cross section of anembodiment of the seat 8 and air box 11. As shown in the figures, theseat features a vent 10 on its rear and the air box features an opening17. Operably, the seat 8 is pivotally connected to the air-box so thatwhen it is in a down position, the flanges on the vent 10 interact withthe air box 11 and its opening so that the vents 18 of the toilet seatare in fluid communication with the air box 11. Stated differently, thetoilet seat 8 with a rear vent 10 connects to the vent 17 of thefiltered air box 11. In one embodiment, now shown, the opening 17 maypreferably feature a cover for protection from dirt and urine when thetoilet seat 8 is in up position.

As shown in FIG. 5, the air box 11 may feature a cover plate 12 so thatthe inside of the box 11 and its filters 1 may be easily cleaned. Thecover plate 12 may be attached to the box 11 via screws 13 in theordinary manner. Alternatively, said cover plate 12 may be attached byany other attachment mechanism (e.g., a clasp) to seal the air box 11with or without the screws 13. The air box 11 may feature a front partof box 11 that is declined towards the seat 8 at forty-five degrees andthat has holes 15 for an easy installation of hinge 9 of the toiletseat. Such a configuration may provide for easy operation and pivotingof the seat 8 so that the vent 10 and opening 17 align properly.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the toilet seat 8. As shown, the seat 8features top and bottom halfs. The bottom bottom part of the seat 7 andupper part of seat 8 may fit together to form a hollow cavitytherebetween. FIG. 6 illustrates how the two pieces might connect toeach other (e.g., by screws). Suitably, the seat may be separated intoits parts for easy cleaning and disinfecting. Although shown beingconnected by screws, the two pieces may instead be designed with aspecial clasp apparatus to enable the parts to be connected withoutscrews.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a commode with the seat 8 and air box 11installed thereon the bowl and in front of the water tank. As shown, theair box 11 is positioned on the rear planar portion of the bowl, betweenthe toilet seat 8, and the water tank. Operably, the toilet seat ispositioned so that the vents 18 may be positioned over the toilet bowlso that, when the air box 11 is connected at its pipe 14 to a vacuum,air may be drawn from the toilet bowl, through the air box 11 fordisinfectant and deodorizing before being released into the atmosphere.

The apparatus described has been dubbed the “magical” toilet seat.Although useful for interpreting any claims to the above describedapparatus and related methods, this specification is not intended tolimit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it should be appreciatedthat those of skill in the art may recognize modification or adjustmentsto the apparatus and related methods herein described without departingfrom the spirit and intent of this disclosure. Therefore, the MagicalToilet Seat should not be limited to the attached illustrations, butrather to the intent of the summary and detailed description. For thesereasons, this system should not be limited by the forgoingillustrations, but only by what is described in our claim.

1. A commode and toilet seat system comprising: a bowl with a rim and aplanar portion extending from said rim to a water tank; an air box witha removable lid; wherein said air box is configured to be secured to thebowl at said planar portion; wherein said air box features a first ventand a surface that is shaped at forty-five degrees relative to saidplanar portion; wherein said air box features an elbow and pipeconfigured to be connected to a vacuum; wherein said air box features afilter; wherein said air box features a reservoir of disinfectant and aspray pump for applying said disinfectant to said filters; a hollowtoilet seat with a second vent; wherein said toilet seat is defined byan upper portion and lower portion that are secured together by screws,said lower portion featuring a plurality of orifices; wherein saidtoilet seat is configured to pivotally connect to said air box at saidsurface that is shaped at forty-five degrees between an up position anda down position; wherein said toilet seat is configured to rest on therim of the bowl with the orifices unobstructed and in fluidcommunication with the bowl while the toilet seat is in the downposition; wherein the first and second vents are in fluid communicationwhile the toilet seat is in the down position; and, wherein the seat isconfigured to pass air from the bowl, through the orifices, through thefirst and second vents, through the filters, and through the elbow andpipe whenever the pipe is connected to the vacuum.
 2. A toilet seatventing system comprising: a toilet seat defined by an upper and lowerportion, said lower portion featuring a plurality of orifices leading todefined passageways in said seat that are operably configured to vacuumand move noxious fumes to a filtration device outside of a toilet bowl.3. The toilet seat venting system of claim 2 further comprising: an airbox with a removable lid; wherein said air box is configured to besecured to the bowl at said planar portion; wherein said air boxfeatures a first vent and a surface that is shaped at forty-five degreesrelative to said planar portion; wherein said air box features an elbowand pipe configured to be connected to a vacuum; wherein said air boxfeatures a filter; wherein said air box features a reservoir ofdisinfectant and a spray pump for applying said disinfectant to saidfilters; wherein said toilet seat features a second vent; wherein saidupper portion and lower portion are secured together by screws; whereinsaid toilet seat is configured to pivotally connect to said air box atsaid surface that is shaped at forty-five degrees between an up positionand a down position; wherein said toilet seat is configured to rest onthe rim of the bowl with the orifices unobstructed and in fluidcommunication with the bowl while the toilet seat is in the downposition; wherein the first and second vents are in fluid communicationwhile the toilet seat is in the down position; and, wherein the seat isconfigured to pass air from the bowl, through the orifices, through thefirst and second vents, through the filters, and through the elbow andpipe whenever the pipe is connected to the vacuum.
 4. The system ofclaim 2 further comprising a vacuum for said seat with an on/off switchand variable speeds of suction.
 5. The system of claim 2 furthercomprising a seat and ventilation box that may be retrofitted to anexisting commode.
 6. The system of claim 2 further comprising a seatwith variable user controlled temperatures.
 7. The system of claim 2further comprising wherein all wires and switches used with said seatare completely separated from the commode plumbing system.
 8. The systemof claim 2 wherein said toilet seat has a splash guard whereby dirt andexcrement is restricted from entry into said ventilation system.
 9. Thesystem of claim 2 with deodorant soaked filters.
 10. The system of claim2 with disinfectant soaked filter.
 11. The system of claim 2 with aspray pump for spraying filters with disinfectant fluids.
 12. A methodof venting a toilet bowl comprising the steps of: placing an air boxwith an opening on a planar portion of the toilet bowl; pivoting ahollow toilet seat with orifices on its underside and a vent on its rearso that (a) said seat is positioned over said toilet bowl with saidorifices and vent in fluid communication and (b) the vent is in fluidcommunication with said opening of said air box; drawing air through theorifices, the vent, and the opening into the air box; contacting saidair with a filter that has been sprayed with a deodorant; and, releasingsaid air into the atmosphere.